Ahead of this weekend’s Irish Open, golfing superstar Rory McIlroy has opened up on how US President Donald Trump’s attendance is likely to change the atmosphere of the tournament.
Trump is set to attend the Irish Open, which is being held at his Doonbeg golf course, on both Saturday and Sunday.
Also attending the event is Rory McIlroy, who will be looking to defend the title he won at the K Club last year.
Now, the two-time Masters winner has opened up on how Trump’s presence may bring a different vibe to this year’s tournament.
Speaking to BBC Sport Northern Ireland, McIlroy said: ‘It’s going to be different with him [Trump] being here.
‘We’re here to play a golf tournament, and it’s a good golf course and we will keep our heads down and play. I think the weekend, especially when he’s here, crowds will be limited.
‘Obviously, there’s a lot that’s going on. Logistically, it provides some challenges, absolutely, but at the same time, if he wants to come and watch the Irish Open, who are we to say no.’
While McIlroy will be facing off against major champions like Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka, Trump remains one of the headline attendees of this weekend’s event.
Speaking to RTE’s News at One on Tuesday, Joe Russell, the general manager of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, revealed that Eric and Donald Trump Jr will also be attending the event with their families.
He also explained how Doonbeg is now preparing for large numbers of protestors given the controversial US President’s attendance.
Russell described how the Doonbeg team is working with the White House, the Secret Service and An Garda Síochána to make sure the weekend runs smoothly.
‘They’re all working in collaboration with each other on-site, off-site arrangements, and we flow into that.
‘We provide the hospitality, but we also need to ensure that we’re following security protocols and all the access and other arrangements that they make,’ he said.
Speaking on potential protests, he revealed: ‘That’s what we’re hearing, but my main concern is what’s going on inside the boundaries of the golf club.’
‘If protests happen, they happen. They have been discussed and An Garda Síochána are well experienced in dealing with them and we’ll leave that in their capable hands,’ he continued.
The US President is also expected to speak before hundreds of guests at the US Ambassador’s Residence in Phoenix Park on Saturday morning, kicking off his visit.
Trump will also meet with the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, at Áras an Uachtaráin and will separately hold a meeting with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
